The recent fire that tore through West Maui on August 8 left a trail of devastation that is difficult to comprehend. The tragic event claimed the lives of at least 97 people and caused damage or destruction to 2,200 structures, with the estimated cost to rebuild standing at a staggering $5.5 billion.
In the days following the fire, celebrities like Jason Momoa and Mia Tyler urged tourists to avoid the area. And even after most of Maui’s hotels remained open, the number of tourists visiting the island dropped significantly. On October 9, a day after the staged reopening of West Maui, there were more than 4,500 arrivals, representing a 27 percent decrease from the same day in 2019.
The phased reopening of the West Maui section from Kahana to Ka’anapali happened on November 1, with the devastated town of Lahaina remaining closed. Shelley Kekuna, the executive director of the Ka’anapali Beach Resort Association, expressed excitement at welcoming back tourists, emphasizing the positive impact on the local economy and the community’s spirit of aloha.
However, the reopening has not been without controversy. More than 10,000 residents signed a petition to delay the reopening due to concerns that some people who lost their homes in the fire would be displaced from temporary housing in hotel rooms. Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen has denied these claims, citing assurances from the Red Cross that housing for displaced Lahaina residents, including those staying in hotels, is not in jeopardy.
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In response to the ongoing impacts faced by locals, a protest was staged on the beach in Ka’anapali by a group of organizations. They sought to raise awareness of the challenges still being experienced as a result of the natural disaster. The local travel industry has made efforts to rehire as many people as possible, but unemployment remains high, rising by 217 percent from the previous year.
Tamara Conniff, a Maui resident and former editor-in-chief of Billboard, revealed in a personal essay for THR how she and her family escaped the inferno in Lahaina. She emphasized that housing uncertainty is the biggest issue, as many are unsure when they will be forced to leave temporary housing, potentially leaving them homeless.
Despite the challenges, individuals in Hollywood have stepped in to support the recovery efforts. Mana Mentors, a nonprofit organization in Lahaina, raised $100,000 in the first month after the fire to help families in need. Additionally, the People’s Fund of Maui, initiated by Dwayne Johnson and Oprah Winfrey, has provided financial support to over 8,100 residents in the towns of Lahaina and Kula. Enrollees have received two months of payments of $1,200 a month, with a third payment scheduled for late November, bringing total support to nearly $30 million.
As the busiest tourism season approaches, there is cautious optimism about the future. Kekuna remains hopeful, noting the continued interest from new visitors and pre-booked groups seeking to experience the beauty of the west side of Maui. However, Conniff urges travelers to be mindful and respectful when visiting the island, recognizing the ongoing trauma experienced by the local community.
In conclusion, the recovery and reopening of West Maui following the devastating fire present a complex and ongoing challenge. The support from both locals and external organizations is crucial for rebuilding the community and economy. As tourists return, their compassion and support mean the world to the trauma-affected residents. The road ahead for West Maui will undoubtedly be long, but with the support of its people and allies, there is hope for a brighter future.
